Last updated on December 23rd, 2024
If there’s one thing you should know about me, it’s that I’m a total sucker for baked goods—especially if chocolate is involved. Donuts, chocolate chip cookies, brownies, Nanaimo bars…you name it, I love it.
But as a nutritionist (and athlete), I tend to get a bit creative with my dessert choices. Allergies mean I always need to use vegan recipes—or adapt them to be vegan—so I can avoid eggs and dairy. And while I don’t go out of my way to buy gluten-free flour, I do like to experiment with recipes that are naturally gluten-free.
Because I already eat plenty of carbs, processed foods, and sugar to fuel my athletic activity, I sometimes like healthifying dessert recipes. It’s a fun way to cut back on added sugar while sneaking in some extra nutrients—without sacrificing flavour, of course.
Recently, I spotted a picture of chickpea blondies on a fellow nutritionist’s Instagram and I had to give them a try. Chickpeas in dessert? It sounded intriguing and, honestly, a little risky. But I’m all about testing creative, nutrient-packed recipes that align with my approach to food.
So, this past weekend, while meal prepping, I baked a tray. And let me tell you—these Chickpea Blondies are a total win! They’re rich, fudgy, naturally gluten-free, and family-approved. Let’s just say there may (or may not) only be one left in the fridge.
Now it’s your turn to try this healthy twist on a classic treat. I promise, you won’t even miss the traditional flour and sugar. Let’s dive into the recipe!
Chickpea Blondies
Equipment
- food processor
Ingredients
- 1 can chickpeas drained, rinsed well
- 1/2 cup natural peanut butter (or any other nut butter)
- 1/4 cup honey OR maple syrup
- 1/4 cup coconut palm sugar
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp sea salt
- 1 tbsp pure vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips
- Himalayan sea salt and extra chocolate chips to top
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350F. Line small baking dish with parchment paper.
- Add chickpeas, peanut butter, honey or maple syrup, coconut sugar, baking powder, sea salt, and vanilla extract to a food processor or high speed blender. Blend until mixture or smooth with no visible chunks.
- Add mixture to a mixing bowl. Fold in chocolate chips.
- Pour mixture in to parchment lined baking dish and smooth out evenly.
- Top with sea salt and chocolate chips
- Bake in oven for 25-30 minutes
- Let cool and cut in to squares.
Notes
This recipe was incredibly easy to follow and used simple ingredients that I almost always have stocked in my pantry. The only thing I had to pick up was the chocolate chips. (Pro tip: splurge on a good-quality vegan chocolate for that extra indulgence—it’s worth it!)
What really stood out was how quick the prep was—something that isn’t always the case with vegan desserts. No complicated steps, no fancy equipment, and everything came together in minutes.
And the taste? Absolutely incredible. These Chickpea Blondies are perfectly chewy and moist, with just the right amount of sweetness. Thanks to the Mega Chunks of chocolate chips I used, each bite is loaded with rich, melty chocolate. We’re talking SO. MUCH. CHOCOLATE. If you’re a fellow chocoholic like me, you’ll be in heaven!
Trust me, these blondies are a game-changer for anyone looking for a healthier dessert that doesn’t compromise on flavor or texture. Give them a try—I’d love to hear what you think!
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